In every society, there are labels. Generally, every person is labeled according to the standards and norm of that society. Filipinos, in particular, are fond of labels. One bad thing with labels is that a person tends to be judged and defined according the label given him. And unfortunately, associated with some labels are negative connotations, prejudices, and biases. One of the negatively connoted, misconceived labels is the “gay” label.
I have observed that in the Philippines, being labeled as "gay" (bakla, bading) is negatively connoted as being a loud, forward, and sometimes inappropriately frank, effeminate individual. The individual is often mocked with derogatory statements about sexual acts strongly associated with homosexuality like fellatio, anal, and oral sex. Being labeled as "gay" is sometimes equated with being a transvestite or the male practice of wearing female clothing. So how do these impact on the life of a Filipino male homosexual?
Let's take a look at Marc's example. Marc is a young Filipino professional and apparently a discreet/closeted masculine homosexual (i.e. straight -acting but not necessarily muscled). Being such, he prefers a more or less heterosexual (societally normal) image. He knows that being a male homosexual is essential being "gay." However, the attached negative connotations makes the "gay" label unacceptable or, shall we say, “unpalatable” to him. Masculine as he is, being called gay is a big blow to his ego. It is something that consciously and subconsciously he cannot accept. As an effect of this label misconceptions and connotations, Marc tries to evade the label and resort to a more pleasant alternative one by rather calling himself a bisexual.
Can you relate with his story? Can his experience be applied to the majority?
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